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Louisiana Purchase
The United States a major victory over France through the Louisiana purchase. This doubled the size of the country and provided ample land for westward expansion. -
Lewis and Clark
Lewis and Clark expedition explored the newly acquired Louisiana territory mapping the land and establishing American presence in the west -
Manifest Destiny
The concept of Manifest Destiny fueled the belief that it was Americas destiny to expand westward to the Pacific Ocean. This idea shaped policies and actions that promoted westward expansion. -
Oregon Trail
The opening of the Oregon Trail facilitated migration to the west, allowing thousands of settlers to travel to Oregon, and other western territories -
Gold Rushes
Gold rushes specifically the California Gold Rush, attracted prospectors, and settlers, seeking fortune, leading to increased settlement in the west -
Homestead Act
This act provided free land to settlers willing to live on and cultivate it, incentivizing migration and settlement in the western territories -
Transcontinental Railroad
The completion of the railroad connected the East and West coast of the United States, making travel and transportation of goods easier and faster further encouraging westward expansion